It’s all too good for Penrith’s Joshua Gadd.
The 17-year-old, who only celebrated his birthday a month ago, is the youngest person in the field for this year’s NSW Open after shooting a four-under par 68 at Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club on Monday.
“It was a pretty good feeling to qualify, I’ve never tried before. I was always away at this time of the year. Mum and Dad are stoked. Mum let a little scream out when she found out,” the softly spoken Gadd said.
The Club Champion at Penrith Golf Club, Gadd believes he’s capable of a good performance this week.
“My first goal is obviously to make the cut, and shoot a couple of good under par rounds,
“I’m here to compete, not just for the fun and experience.
Gadd also sees the event, his first major professional tournament start, as a good learning experience.
“Playing with some quality professionals here, I’m going to see their mindset and how they get themselves around the golf course."
"Compared to junior golf it’s going to be a good thing to learn.”
Gadd has had a solid year already, winning a perfect six-from-six at the Australian Junior Interstate Series.
Gadd has only just begun year 12 at St Dominic’s High School at Kingswood. This week, however, the textbooks are taking a back seat, something Gadd isn’t too fussed about.
“I’m not disappointed about missing school, not at all,” he smiled.